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Sky Umbrella, Collapsible

In 1992 the MoMA Design Store introduced the original Sky Umbrella by legendary graphic designer Tibor Kalman and Emanuela Frattini Magnusson. This collapsible umbrella's exterior gives away nothing more than a plain, black canopy. Once opened, the interior reveals a cheerful blue sky dotted with fluffy, white clouds. The umbrella's surprising blue-sky interior echoes the playful career of Kalman, whose work is featured in the Museum’s collection. Kalman once again used the visual motif of the Sky Umbrella in a 1995 issue of Colors, an award-winning global magazine where Kalman served as the founding editor-in-chief. The umbrella conveniently folds to a small size, making it easy to transport and ideal for travel. Made of sturdy nylon with an automatic open/close mechanism.

About the Designer

Tibor Kalman

Tibor Kalman (1949-1999) founded the legendary, multidisciplinary design firm M&Co in 1979. In collaboration with his wife Maira, the conceptually progressive firm initially created graphics, magazines and film titles, and books. Following the release of a record album cover for the rock band Talking Heads, M&Co gained major attention for "pushing the envelope" on conventions of design and typography, and went on to become a major influence on emerging designers.

Myself and my wife each bought one of these last year. It was a grim winter. After a few uses I found mine would not open correctly; I'd press the release button and it would pop out with a little less enthusiasm than needed to complete the job. I borrowed my wife's for a few days as she had no need for it, and low and behold the same thing happened. This time however I played with it a found that with just a little jab it would lock into place (though it also needed a little pull on the rim to look like a regular umbrella). We've learned to live with them and have been perfectly happy with each even though we do wish they needed a little less assistance to fully open. As is so often the case, its good looks help us ignore its clear flaws.

The umbrella is sturdy and resistant to strong wind thanks to a system of springs within the arms. It is also very different from other umbrellas while retaining a sober character. A small downside is that it is slightly heavier than other umbrella of this size, probably due to its robust construction.

I have bought this model in the non-collapsible version for myself and I love it! I also gave it as a gift in this version and now decided to try it for myself. Looks as if it is of good quality but still have to use it and watch how it wears out.